Wuertz gets back on mound with mixed results

Published 4:00 am, Monday, March 22, 2010

Michael Wuertzmade his first appearance of the spring Sunday and it wasn't all that memorable: two hits, a walk, one run.

Wuertz said it was about what he expected. The set-up man doesn't usually sparkle during the spring, and he threw only three sliders, his best pitch, in an inning of work during Oakland's 4-3 loss to the Reds. He used his changeup a lot and said he liked the results, and his fastball location was good. Plus, Wuertz said, it was helpful to get in work with runners on base.

Wuertz was brought along slowly this spring because of his heavy workload last year (74 appearances), then his debut was delayed five days when it took his shoulder a little longer to recover from an outing last week.

"What he brings to the game is special," starter Dallas Bradensaid. "You definitely like to see that horse out there running."

It was a good day for the bullpen: Joey Devine (tendinitis in his surgically repaired elbow) made 30 throws at a distance of 80 feet, said he felt great and that he'll do it again today. Andrew Bailey (tennis elbow) will throw today after a week off.

Selig on stadium: Commissioner Bud Seligsaid that the panel investigating the A's stadium issue is still looking into a few things, but that he expects a recommendation to be "reasonably close."

Selig said he met with the A's owners and general manager Billy Beaneat Phoenix Muni and he met with the Giants last week. The A's would love to relocate to San Jose; the Giants do not want to relinquish their territorial rights to the South Bay. "I would say their messages are pretty consistent," Selig said.

Territorial rights are not assigned in other two-team markets.

"This is different, because of the history," Selig said of the rights granted to the Giants because of a stadium ballot initiative in San Jose in 1993.

Asked if the panel is strictly considering Oakland versus San Jose, Selig said, "They're looking at everything, but they have not delivered a report, so I'll wait until they do that."

Selig believes the A's must get a new stadium. "There is no question," he said. "They cannot compete in the venue they are in."

Payday? Kurt Suzuki, one of the top catchers in the league after Twins star Joe Mauer, is arbitration eligible following the season, and the A's are expected to explore a multi-year deal soon.

On Sunday, Mauer agreed to a reported eight-year, $184 million deal.

"I think I'm half as good as him," Suzuki said with a smile. "No, he's not human. The way he hits, catches, runs, throws, he's a freak of nature."

Briefly: The A's reassigned left-hander Lenny DiNardo, right-handers Fernando Hernandez and Marcus McBeth, catcher Josh Donaldson, infielders Adrian Cardenas, Gregorio Petitand Eric Sogard and outfielders Corey Brownand Matt Carson. ... DiNardo said he needs to iron out some mechanical issues and he'll continue to work on a sidearm delivery. ... Petit was batting .545 in 11 at bats. "The only thing you ask for is a chance to fight for a spot, but when you don't get a chance to play, well, it is what it is," he said. "The only thing I can do is to keep working hard and prove to everyone I'm a big-league player." ... The A's Adam Rosaleshomered against his former team, and also made an error at shortstop.